Staff Report / sarasotalocal.org

**Deactivated Cell Phones Can Still Dial 911, Sarasota County Warns**

The Sarasota County Emergency Services is cautioning residents against allowing children to use old, deactivated cell phones as toys. While these phones may no longer function for general communication, they are still capable of making emergency calls to 911.

Emergency officials stress that when a deactivated phone places a 911 call, the Sarasota County Public Safety Communications Center does not receive critical location data from the device. This absence of accurate location information can delay an emergency response, making such calls a significant concern for first responders.

Parents and caregivers are urged to keep old cell phones out of the hands of children to prevent accidental 911 calls. The public is reminded that all devices capable of dialing emergency services should be treated responsibly.

For more information, follow #SRQCountyES for updates and public safety tips from Sarasota County Emergency Services.

Source: Sarasota County Emergency Services

Source Type: EMS

Source Location:

North Port, FL

6050 Porter Way, Sarasota, FL 34232

https://www.facebook.com/752270380278975/posts/1013031520869525

Sarasota Fire Station Open House January 18

Sarasota County's Fire Station Open House is on January 18, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sarasota EDC Hosts Exclusive Economic Roundtable Discussion

Sarasota EDC invites Chair Advisors to roundtable with Federal Reserve's Michelle Dennard on economic topics.

Sarasota Schools Launches Program to Recognize Employees

Sarasota County Schools launches SCS CARES Program to celebrate and recognize outstanding employees.

Fire Fest Educates on Prescribed Burning Importance

Sarasota County's Fire Fest educates families on the benefits of prescribed burning for land management.

Students Back in Sarasota Schools January 6, 2025

Students in Sarasota County will return to school on January 6, 2025.

Riverview High Student Finalist for Scholarship

Sophie Beltran from Riverview High is a finalist for the Leaders 4 Life Scholarship.

Sarasota Fire Department Seeks Firefighters and Paramedics

Sarasota County Fire Department is hiring Firefighter/EMTs and Paramedics with competitive salaries and benefits.

Young Artists Excel in Sarasota Calendar Art Contest

Elementary students in Sarasota excelled in an art contest promoting environmental stewardship and creativity.

Sarasota County Announces Annual Fire Fest Activities

Sarasota County's Fire Fest returns with fun activities for kids, including a Kid Zone and treats.